Page 28 of High Value Target
Reggie opened the door for her, and helped her into the car. “You look stunning, Mrs. Wyatt.”
“Thank you, Reggie. Tinsley should be down in a moment.”
Grady looked toward the carved double doors as Tinsley emerged. She wore the mini dress with the gigantic bow on the side. It went from hem to shoulder. Grady wasn’t sure how she’d fit in the car, let alone get a seatbelt fastened.
He stepped forward and took her hand, helping her into the car himself. “Good morning, Miss Wyatt.”
“Good morning.” She slipped in the car, and he followed, taking the rear-facing seat. The chase vehicle with two of the Wyatt security team followed them down the drive, through the gate and onto the road.
Tinsley had a small hat on her head with a brim that covered her eyes and netting that covered her face. All Grady could see was her mouth with its perfect red lipstick. His eyes skated over the length of leg exposed to his gaze, right down to her painted toes revealed by the strappy high-heels, the same perfect shade of pink.
She ignored him, but he didn’t expect any less, especially with her mother in the car.
“Tinsley, dear. Have you heard from Palmer?”
“He was running late. He promised to try to make it for the fashion show.”
“He’ll miss the luncheon?”
“Possibly.” Tinsley stared out the window.
“He’ll miss my speech then.”
“He knows you’re the chair of the committee this year. I’m sure he’ll try to be there if at all possible.”
“It’s important to me.”
“I’m aware, Mother. You’ve done a wonderful job with everything. It’s going to be a smashing success.”
Lorretta nodded, watching the traffic as they drew deeper into downtown Dallas. “Your father promised he’d be there for the speech. I know it’s not a man’s event, but I don’t often make speeches.”
Tinsley squeezed her mother’s gloved hand. “You’re going to be fantastic.”
Loretta looked over at her daughter. “How do I look?”
“Stunning. Audrey Hepburn’s got nothing on you.”
Loretta turned back to the window. “I always liked her. She was a true fashion icon. Do you know she was inducted into the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame?”
“No, but I’m not surprised you know that. You’re certainly channeling her today.”
“I try hard to be presentable, Tinsley. Image is important when you’re the wife of someone like your father. Being the wife of the richest man in town isn’t easy, darling.”
“Try being his daughter.”
“I love you, dear, and so does your father. He demands a lot, I know.”
“Understatement of the year.”
Loretta took her hand and patted it. “Thank you for putting up with me. I know this isn’t your cup of tea. It never has been.”
“In case Daddy doesn’t tell you, I’m very proud of you. It’s not easy making the Ten Best Dressed List in this town, and I know how much this recognition means to you. You deserve it. This is your day. Enjoy it.”
“Thank you, baby.” Her eyes filled, and she had to wave a hand. “You’re going to ruin my makeup.”
Tinsley laughed, and then Loretta laughed, too.
Grady sat on the leather seat, trying not to call attention to himself. It was like they forgot he was here. They’d exposed a side he hadn’t known was there. Family dynamics can be complicated and tricky, and figuring them out based on assumptions never led him to the correct answers.